HC Deb 19 March 1957 vol 567 cc195-6
22. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Wick Town Council have rejected the application for a house by Flight Sergeant A. G. Flett, Royal Air Force, Henlow, a Regular airman with 24 years' Colour and eight years' Reserve service; that the airman was born, brought up and apprenticed, and worked for seven years before the war, in Wick; that his application is in accordance with Air Ministry instructions based on Government directions to local authorities; and if he will take immediate steps to have this airman, his wife and four unmarried children provided with a council house when he retires from military service next year.

Mr. Maclay

The Town Council, with whom I have been in touch, say that they have not rejected this application. They are aware of my recommendations about the housing of ex-Service men, but it is their practice to postpone consideration of such applications until the applicants have returned from service and found work in the burgh. In the meantime, they have noted the facts of this particular case.

Sir D. Robertson

Is not that reply wholly unsatisfactory? Is it not the case that I sent all the correspondence on this matter to the Minister over three weeks ago? Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have in my hand a letter from the factor to Wick Council stating that he regrets that, … at present Wick Town Council are not accepting housing applications from anyone other than persons resident in the town. When you come to live in Wick on discharge perhaps you will then come and see me and complete the final form of application. How can this man, who has done such grand service and who has a wife and four children, in addition to one who was recently married, come to Wick and wait? Where will he live?

Mr. Maclay

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have the greatest sympathy with ex-Service men in their search for houses, but their position is exactly as I set out in my original Answer. I should make it clear that I have no powers by which to insist upon a local authority taking any particular action in this matter. It rests entirely with the local authority, but, of course, I have been in communication with this local authority and the reply that I have already given is the result of an exchange of letters.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

If the right hon. Gentleman has so much sympathy with these ex-Service men, why is he increasing their rent?

Hon. Members

Answer